Microsoft 365 has been available on the Apple’s App Store for nearly two years now but there is still a lot of confusion as to where is the best place to get the application, and why it makes any difference. We’re here to answer these questions and put an end to the bewilderment.
Mac users have three ways of getting Microsoft 365:
- They can download it online directly from Microsoft
- They can buy the package from a third-party retailer, or
- They can purchase from Apple’s App Store. You can download individual programs or the entire suite. It’s all direct and easy.
We’re going to keep this simple so you can get back to work. Essentially, there are only 3 main deciding factors as to where you would make your purchase. It all boils down to price, the updating experience and insider builds
Price
For the cheapest price, you would be best off going with a third party retailer. That’s basically all you need to know. But if you’re curious as to how the two financial giants are working out their arrangement, that’s another interesting topic. Apple takes 30% commission on its app store products and 15% on subscriptions for the second and later years. Those rates are the reason you haven’t seen Office 365 in the app store until recently.
A better updating experience
This is supposed to be the big value here. While we have never used the App Store to make a Microsoft 365 purchase, we do know that the Microsoft AutoUpdate can be a pain.
The App Store is supposed to allow you to rely on the much more user-friendly and reliable store software when you purchase or install Microsoft 365. Even if you had the older versions of Office, you can delete the apps and reinstall through the App Store.
Insider builds
This is not a deal-breaker for most people, but if you were a part of the Office insider program and you really enjoyed getting regular updates and new features via Microsoft’s updating systems, then you may want to think twice before you go through the App Store.
Beware of GoDaddy
Many of our clients initially signed up for Microsoft 365 through GoDaddy. This is an actual problem, because GoDaddy has all sorts of limits into their hacked and rebranded Microsoft 365 product. Folks buy from GoDaddy because it is top-of-mind when buying a domain name — and GoDaddy offers a ridiculous promotion to enter. But GoDaddy is also way more expensive the year after and forever.
One last consideration
There is one final thing to note if you are still debating. Unfortunately, perpetual licenses won’t work. These include Office 2019 and Office 2016, which are not supported with the Office apps available through the App Store.
In the end, the best bet for how to buy Microsoft 365 for your office…depends on you. We’re happy to walk you through the countless scenarios…but in the long run you’ll likely be happiest to opt for the one-time purchase.
Any further questions about Microsoft 365 for your firm? Want to know about other software and apps that can keep you ahead of the pack? We’re here for you – and by you, we mean law firms that use Macs.
